“Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that He will not stand by us.”
~ Oswald Chambers
When I was first starting out in ministry I remember reading Romans 10:11, “He who believes in him will not be disappointed” and wondering what that meant. I had already experienced huge disappointments in my faith journey. It took some time but I finally came to understand that believing in God meant believing in him, period. Not believing him FOR something. The amplified Bible translates it this way: “whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will never be disappointed [in his expectations].”
Expectations. That’s the key. When we turn our lives over to God we are surrendering our right to rule ourselves/to be in charge. We’re giving him the reigns so-to-speak, trusting him to do what he knows is best in and through us. If we come into faith with any expectation FOR something, no matter how small, we will find ourselves disappointed. This is why Israel didn’t recognize their own Savior when he came. They were believing God FOR something specific, something they felt they needed, a kingdom on earth, instead of the kingdom of heaven.
I think we often make the same mistake and don’t recognize when God is in the middle of doing something beautiful in our lives. We are waiting for the tangible, the things we expect or think we need but he is already moving and working in and all around us, providing what we actually need, setting in order what needs to be ordered, so that he can fulfill his greater purpose. Let’s not miss out on the joy the King has already brought by hanging on to expectations/hopes of what we think he should bring. Let us delight in the King himself, trusting in his mercy and kindness. If we can do that we will not be disappointed. In fact, we’ll be filled with wonder and awe and gratitude.
Peace to you.
